Stepping Stone House (SSH) is a house for homeless teenagers who through no fault of their own find themselves unable to live at home.  It is an accredited out-of-home-care residential service providing medium to long term accommodation in a Federation house at Dulwich Hill, Sydney. 

Not for profit organisation

It is a community based registered charity with no connection to any church or political organisation.  We receive no government funding, and rely on the generosity of community members and volunteers for funding and assistance in the day to day running of the facility and organisation. (see Getting Involved)

Medium to long term

Medium to long term refers to the average length of the stay of a young person at SSH.  The aim of the program run by SSH is to provide a place where young people can build their skills, be empowered to be the best that they can be, and strive towards building themselves a happy and healthy lifestyle.  SSH endeavours to make a young person feel secure and safe and gain stability in this family atmosphere, over an average stay of eighteen months to 2 years.

Out of home care

Out of Home Care is a term that describes the type of accommodation that young people receive when they are unable to live at home.  SSH is such a provider and is accredited by The Office of the Children’s Guardian.  For further details see “How SSH Operates”.

Residential Service

A residential service is one that provides accommodation in a residential or “home-like” environment.  This means that the house appears similar to those in the neighbourhood and similar to those occupied by the young people’s peers who live with their family.  A residential service provides accommodation and fulfils the primary needs of food, water, shelter and safety.  SSH provides young people with a bed and a room which is their own, a place where they can have some privacy and keep personal and sentimental belongings.  There is a place to make and enjoy food, a place to wash and dry their clothes and a place where they feel safe and welcome.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead